Guterres, Putin discuss importance of multilateralism in Moscow

Guterres, Putin discuss importance of multilateralism in Moscow

MOSCOW — UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed the importance of renewed commitment to multilateralism during talks held on Thursday. Guterres is in Moscow, at the invitation of the Russian government, where he is meeting with senior officials. The UN chief and President Putin met virtually, according to a readout of their meeting. The two leaders discussed the importance of renewed commitment to multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation in order for the international community to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Their talks also covered a number of international and regional peace, security and humanitarian issues and the need to resolve conflicts through political dialogue, mutual respect and understanding. The secretary-general thanked President Putin for the hospitality of the Russian government and people, and for the continued commitment of the Russian Federation in support of the United Nations. Guterres expressed the interest of the UN to deepen its cooperation with the Russian Federation in the three pillars of the organization’s work — peace and security, sustainable development, including climate change and biodiversity, and human rights. Honorary degree Also on Thursday, Guterres received an honorific doctorate from Moscow State Institute of International Relations,